A comic book publisher is responsible for publishing, marketing, and distributing comic books. Their work varies depending on the size of the publishing company. In smaller companies they may do everything from negotiating contracts and securing printers to distributing the books in person at book exhibitions and conferences. In larger companies some of this work may be delegated to specific departments, such as the legal, editorial, and marketing departments, with publishers overseeing the work of all staff members.
Comic book publishers acquire the manuscripts and artwork of comic book artists and writers who work in the genres that sync with the types of books the company publishes, such as action, science-fiction, manga, or humor. They secure the funding for the projects and oversee the budgets and production schedules. They communicate with comic book authors and writers and publishing company staff, keeping all informed of the project’s progress and if any changes or issues have arisen. They set up agreements with comic book printers and distributors. The major distributor of comic books is Diamond Comic Distributors. Either a public relations agency or an internal public relations department promotes the books through press releases and posts on the company’s Web site and social media sites.